The survey shows that last year alone the number of cases handled nationally by EEF increased by 3% to 2206 cases, compared to 2145 in 2002. This compares with 1450 cases handled by EEF in 1998.

EEF legal teams, representing member companies, won 78% of cases, compared to the national average of 55% won by respondents.

Commented Simon Pender, EEF South's Head of Legal and Employment Affairs: "The results of this survey simply confirm that there has been a rising tide of employment litigation which is benefiting nobody in the workplace, certainly not employers.

"What these figures show is that the ever increasing raft of regulation and the increase in potential compensation are leading to multiple claims by individuals and we are finding that this is extending many more hearings into two days or more.

"The message from these results is that all parties - including Government, ACAS, employers' organisations and trade unions - must redouble their efforts to ensure more workplace disputes are resolved in the workplace."

www.eefsouth.org.uk